Nina Tassler, president, CBS Entertainment

Women's Impact Report 2012: Executives

Tassler is closing in on a decade as CBS’ programming chief, making her by far the longest-serving of the Big Four network entertainment presidents. Under her leadership, the Eye delivered a big comedy hit in the 2011-12 season with “2 Broke Girls” and a promising drama addition to its drama bench with “Person of Interest.” It’s also delivered gaudy ratings in key demographics and looks to continue that through 2013.

What we should know: “You don’t get a lot of downtime. I’ve learned to be zen with that. There’s a moment at the end of every day, when the work is done and the kids are asleep and sometimes I just sit on the front porch of my home and listen. It’s a time to reflect.”

Words of wisdom: “Patience. It’s always important to take a beat to reflect and really think through a decision, to really allow yourself the opportunity to look at something from as many different angles as possible.”

Smartphone habits: “I certainly dial it back a tremendous amount (when on vacation) but the truth is the way our business works right now it is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. One of the things I’m really proud of is that everybody that I work with is very dedicated to their jobs. There’s an importance placed on being available to support the talent that we work with.”

Life-work balance: “You look at it all as one big continuum. You find that you are able to prioritize things in your head very, very quickly. We have the advantage of living in a technologically connected time with emails and texts and phones. As long as you can keep your sanity, you can get a lot done.”

Charitable passions: “Jewish Family Services. I feel a strong connection to what they do for our community, for Jews and non-Jews alike.”